World Gone Zoom: Notes from the American Epicenter

Acclaimed essayist and musician, David Belmont takes us on a poetic journey through life under lockdown in New York City during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the few months following, replete with political commentary, philosophical musings and musical references.

"World Gone Zoom is a collection of true tales about living in New York City during the time it acquired the name 'epicenter'... and comes with a soundtrack. Listen to it. Glisten with it. Someday it will be history. We hope." Gary Phillips, Poet Laureate, Carrboro, North Carolina

"The subject at hand is dark and heavy but David's writing, filled with sensitivity, is somehow light and refreshingly witty. I found my eyes dancing down the page..." Liz Carlson, founder, Common Point Acupuncture

"World Gone Zoom performs the pandemic with a musicality that reverberates with both rock and jazz." Don Rubin, Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia

"With heart aflame and the eyes of a hawk, musician and writer David Belmont swoops-masked-through New York City in pandemic lockdown, picking up strands of hope, fear and wry humor..." Nan K. Chase, author, Lost Restaurants of Asheville

"World Gone Zoom expresses thoughts/feelings/reflections that we all may have but gives them the light of day with both poetic dexterity and musical sensibility making it a true gift to read." Cathy Salit, author, Performance Breakthrough

"What follows pause? Play? Fast forward? Rewind? In Belmont's poetry-all of the above." Christine Helm, faculty, East Side Institute